New Technology to Increase EV Battery Density by 10%

Asahi Kasei Corporation has unveiled a lithium pre-doping technology engineered for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) utilizing silicon-based anodes.

While silicon-enriched anodes offer higher energy storage potential than conventional graphite, they suffer from substantial, irreversible capacity loss during their initial charge cycle. To mitigate this without requiring excess cathode material, Asahi Kasei introduced specialized electrolyte additives that enable lithium carbonate to decompose at standard operating cell voltages. The lithium carbonate acts as a sacrificial lithium source during the first charge, restoring usable capacity.

In-house testing using a Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) cell paired with an anode comprised of 90% graphite and 10% silicon monoxide (SiO) yielded a 10% increase in energy density, alongside improved cycle life and lower production costs per watt-hour.

Technical & Commercial Highlights:

• Cost Efficiency: Utilizes standard, low-cost lithium carbonate rather than expensive, specialized pre-lithiation compounds. 

• Factory Compatibility: Scalable across existing battery manufacturing infrastructure without requiring substantial capital retooling. 

• Global Licensing Strategy: Commercialization via global licensing agreements, targeting at least 10 new licensing contracts by fiscal 2027.

“Our pre-doping method addresses the initial capacity drop of silicon-rich cells while providing a cost-effective pathway to higher energy density across various cathode and anode chemistries,” the company stated.

For North American battery cell manufacturers, automotive OEMs, and Canadian supply chain stakeholders, supported by Asahi Kasei’s ongoing $1.7-billion battery component facility construction in Port Colborne, Ontario, this innovation offers a scalable solution for extended-range EV battery systems.